Police warn 420 celebrators to stay off the roads

It's April 20 - or 420 - and for some, it's the unofficial day for celebrating all things marijuana.

As cannabis culture is celebrating 420, state and local law enforcement are warning drivers not to consume marijuana and drive.

"The more people that will use it, there's always a greater chance of more people driving and bring under the influence of marijuana," said Newton Police Lt. Bruce Apotheker.

A recent student published in the Journal of American Medicine found fatal car crashes increased 12 percent on April 20 after 420.

MORE: What does '420' mean? Here are 10 things you may not know about the term

Medicinal marijuana became legal in Massachusetts in 2012 and after a voter referendum, recreational use became legal with pot shops set to open in July.

In a statement, State Police Colonel Kerry Gilpin says "impaired drivers are a danger of everyone on the road and themselves." She says that troopers will stop anyone putting motorists at risk.

"People don't need a date on a 365 calendar to get high to do stupid things," said Juan Clark of Holbrook.

Pro-marijuana groups like Yes on 4 warn the data connecting cannabis to fatal crashes is still being debated.

Southern California transplant Juan Clark.

"If you're gonna pick your poison, not that you should drive impaired, most people that get high that I know typically stay on their couch, watch TV, binge on Netflix," said Clark.

The state office of public safety also warns impaired driving, whether it is alcohol or marijuana - effects your motor skills and decision making and mixing the two increased the effects than when consuming them separately.

Cox Media Group